Hello, I’m Janice Heppenstall, a qualified, experienced and accredited professional genealogist, family and house historian.
I started this blog in November 2018. Alongside pursuing genealogy courses, it was a place to delve further and to share thoughts on genealogy-related topics, sometimes related to discoveries about my own ancestry. In 2022, having completed the Pharos Advanced Certificate, and after many years of researching my own and friends’ ancestry, I turned professional. Since the blog was already established, these pages in the top menu bar now function as my website.
I specialise in English ancestry
But provided there is a UK link, this can extend to research in other parts of the world – for example, when working with DNA matches, or migration of ancestors to or from the UK.
Based on the Isle of Wight
Although much research can be done online, some records are available only in local archives. Convenient for the Isle of Wight County Record Office I can access all surviving local records that are not available online. This is particularly important for pre-1837 research.
Genetic genealogy (DNA) research available if required
I advise where such a test would be appropriate, and what the benefits might be.
I offer House History research for the Isle of Wight only
This research is very heavily dependent on documents lodged with local archives.
Talks and presentations available in person or via Zoom
Tailored to the needs of your group
FIND OUT MORE!
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CURRICULUM VITAE
GENEALOGY QUALIFICATIONS
Pharos Family History Skills & Strategies Intermediate qualification (Distinction)
Pharos / Society of Genealogists (Distinction)
MEMBERSHIPS
Member of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA)
Member of the British Association for Local History
Member of the Society for One Place Studies with two registered Studies
As an AGRA Member, I aim to operate at all times in full accordance with the professional standards set down by the AGRA Code of Practice and Ethics.
I also offer clients the peace of mind of the AGRA Complaints Procedure.
I sit on AGRA’s Board of Assessors, assessing applications and interviewing for new Members and Associates.
HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Laws (LLB 2:1)
Including Family Law, Land Law, Trusts and Criminal Law, which have turned out to be unexpectedly handy for researching ancestors!
Masters in Politics (MSc Econ)
I love researching the stories of ‘ordinary people’. My Masters degree developed an understanding of the social and political background to our ancestors’ lives. Drawing upon local, social and political history and the law, what fascinates me is the impact on the many of those big, important decisions made by the few.
Bachelor of Arts: Modern Languages (French & Spanish, BA Hons First Class)
Sociolinguistics knowledge helps me work through spellings in the context of accent and dialect: for example how a clerk in Yorkshire might ‘hear’ and write down a place name from Devon, or in the context of immigration at the turn of the 19th/20th centuries. Producing essays in three languages really developed my research, writing and strong analytical skills.
Post-Graduate Certificate and Post-Graduate Diploma in Education
From my time as a lecturer, and very much at the root of my talks, presentations and writing.
Professional Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Housing
Achieved during my previous careers in local government, housing and lecturing, this included: the History of Housing Policy and Social Policy – very useful for understanding of the living conditions of our ancestors’ lives – particularly urban living conditions during the Industrial Revolution; Housing Law, Planning, and Building Construction – all essential for House History research.
English Ancestors 